As we approach the National Day of Mourning on April 28, it’s important to reflect on its meaning and on our shared responsibility for health and safety in the workplace.
In December 1990, the Day of Mourning became a national observance in Canada, with the first official National Day of Mourning held on April 28, 1991. This was the same date the Workers Compensation Act was accepted. As you may know, events are held each year across the country, to honor workers who have died, become injured or suffered illness due to hazards in the workplace. This day is a not only a time to remember and honor those affected, but also to renew our commitment to improve health and safety in the workplace and prevent future tragedies in the workplace.
While April 28 is the day that has been set aside to remember those injured or killed in the workplace, we must remain vigilant every day. Workplace accidents have lasting impacts, and all hazards must be reported. Accidents should not be swept under the rug nor ignored because the employer may get in trouble or not want to investigate. Every accident needs to be investigated!
In 2025, there were 138 fatality claims reported to WorkSafe BC, which is a decrease from the 195 reported in 2024. While this decrease is encouraging, even one death is too many. National numbers have not been released for 2025, but in 2023 there were a total of 1,057 workplace deaths recorded across Canada. As alarming as this number may feel, we know this number does not accurately reflect the true cost of human lives lost due to workplace incidents. With the stigma around reporting of workplace injuries, particularly mental health issues, we know that all not all injuries or deaths are reported accurately. We also recognize that there are many workers and their families who do not report injuries or fatalities to WorkSafe BC because they do not know their rights.
As union activists, we play a critical role in ensuring members understand their rights and are supported following workplace incidents. This includes during their recovery and upon their return to work. There has been a steady increase in the number of WorkSafe BC claims that require a review by the WorkSafe BC Review Division with an increase of 9.2% from 2024. In the fourth quarter of 2025 alone, over 3,000 cases we completed with 123 rejected. The largest number of reviews are related to personal injury and mental disorder reviews. It is important that, as activists, we not only ensure our workplaces are safe, but that we also educate our members on their rights and responsibilities. Our members are often battling WorkSafe BC alone and give up because they do not realize that they can appeal. This needs to change and we are the first line of defense.
Workplace accidents can happen to anyone and affect not only those directly involved, but also their families, colleagues, and communities. As we honour those who have lost their lives, we need to also recognize the broader impact of these tragedies and take care of ourselves and each other.
While progress has been made in improving workplace safety, injuries and fatalities still occur. This day reminds us to remain vigilant, to report hazards, and hold employers accountable. Some workplace accidents may be inevitable, but many are preventable with proper diligence and action.
On April 28, I encourage you to reaffirm your commitment to the safety and well-being of all workers. Together, we can continue to build safer workplaces and ensure that every worker returns home safely.
This Tuesday, the provincial Day of Mourning event will be held in Victoria at 12:15 PM on the steps of the Legislature, hosted by the BC Federation of Labour. While I’m not able to attend the event in Victoria, I will be attending the Day of Mouring event in Prince George, and will be making a statement on behalf of the PSAC BC as your Health and Safety Coordinator for the Region.
I invite you all to take time on April 28 to remember the lives lost and forever changed by worker deaths and injuries. And, where possible, I encourage members to attend an event near them. Let’s honour their memory and demand safer workplaces. Mourn the dead, fight for the living.
In solidarity,
Tracy Arrowsmith
PSAC BC Health and Safety Coordinator and BRUSH Committee Chair
Day of Mourning Events Across BC
Every year on April 28, people across the country gather at events to remember and honour those who have lost their lives, been injured, or become ill because of workplace incidents. These gatherings are also a time to renew our collective commitment to safer, healthier working conditions for all. You can find a list of events taking place throughout BC by visiting the link below.
If you’re not able to attend an event in your community, we encourage you to take a moment of silence at 11 a.m. on April 28 to reflect and honour those affected by workplace tragedies. You may also notice flags at half-mast in your area, including at all federal buildings, as a symbol of remembrance.
Here is a list of events take place across this province this year.